Hope Quarterly | Issue 30

INSIDE UKRAINE & TURKEY

TORNADO RESPONSE P. 4

EXPANDING CAPACITY P. 5 SERVING VETS P. 24

Help

Convoy of Hope continues to provide relief to communities in need.

Help

Multiple earthquakes have collapsed buildings and taken lives in Turkey and Syria. Convoy of Hope is responding.

1 Convoy Drive, Springfield, MO 65802

Hope Quarterly is published by Convoy of Hope.

Published: Summer 2023

©2023 Convoy of Hope

Editor-in-Chief | Roger Flessing

Editor | Scott Harrup

Managing Editor | Lindsay Donaldson-Kring

Content Editors | Levi Costello, Annie Denney & Alyssa Everett

Reporters | Levi Costello, Annie Denney, India Garrish & Jess Heugel

Photographers | Clayton Gilligan, Jess Heugel, Christian Lamb, Joe Mason, Simen Reinemo & Dylan Stine

Webmaster | Jess Heugel

Creative Director | Josh Carter

Designers | Aaron Davis, Leah Kiser & Misty Olivera

Board of Directors

Dr. Aaron Cole, Court Durkalski, Telvin Jeffries, Dr. Brad Trask, Dominick Garcia, Dr. Tom Carter, Lindsay Howard, Dr. Sam Huddleston, Randy Hurst, Cheryl Jamison, Klayton Ko, Kay Logsdon, Rich Nathan, Tom Rankin, Sherilynn Tounger, Kirk Yamaguchi & Hal Donaldson (President)

Feedback | editor@convoyofhope.org

Website | convoyofhope.org

Twitter | @convoyofhope

Facebook | /convoyofhope

Postmaster | Send address changes to: Hope Quarterly 1 Convoy Drive, Springfield, MO 65802

On the Cover: A mother and son walk around an earthquake-stricken area in Nurdağı in southern Turkey on February 28, 2023. AP images / Hiroto Sekiguchi

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ON THE FRONT LINES

been to conflict zones in places like El Salvador, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and more. And I’ve seen the ravages and broken lives lying in the wake of war. Buildings destroyed. Parks turned into graveyards. Families separated.

But I’ve also seen hope at work because of friends like you. Over the past year, you have helped Convoy reach out to multitudes of children and families in Ukraine’s war zone and to refugees in surrounding haven nations. You have made it possible for Convoy to provide more than 1 million meals and vital supplies to earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria, and respond to tornadoes in the United States.

Thank you for showing kindness and compassion to people when they need it most. We don’t have the power to end war, but we can help people keep their hope alive.

Gratefully,

Hal Donaldson President, Convoy of Hope

CONVOY OF HOPE RESPONDS TO TORNADOES

least 30 tornadoes touched down across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas from March 24 through March 27, impacting dozens of communities. During the Friday storms, an EF4 carved a 59-mile path across four Mississippi counties and took 16 lives. An hour later, another Mississippi twister, an EF3, killed three people in its 29-mile path. In all, 22 people died.

Convoy of Hope responded immediately, with relief supplies en route to the hardest-hit areas. Additional team members with equipment and relief supplies were deployed Monday, March 27.

Within weeks, more than 168,000 pounds of resources were distributed to thousands of people in need.

“This will not be a short-term relief and recovery effort,” says President Hal Donaldson. “People have lost everything they owned. Together, we can bring love, we can bring hope, to families who just need to know that someone cares.”

A second storm system brought more than 50 tornadoes the following weekend and killed 32 people. In Arkansas, the most severely impacted state, the town of Wynne was cut in half by one twister that killed four people.

Convoy of Hope expanded its tornado response, serving about 13,000 people in drive-thru and mobile distributions in North Little Rock and Jacksonville, Arkansas. Loads of supplies were also sent to the towns of Whiteland and Sullivan in Indiana and to Covington, Tennessee.

Another tornado took five lives in Missouri on April 5. Convoy distributed more than 13,600 pounds of relief supplies, assisting more than 700 survivors. Convoy will continue to help communities recover from any future storms.

PEOPLE HAVE LOST EVERYTHING THEY OWNED. TOGETHER, WE CAN BRING LOVE, WE CAN BRING HOPE, TO FAMILIES WHO JUST NEED TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE CARES.

HAL DONALDSON

WEST COAST RDC EXPANDS CONVOY OF HOPE CAPACITY

Convoy of Hope is opening a Regional Distribution Center (RDC) in Sacramento, California. RDC West will encompass 70,000 square feet with the capacity to hold 7,000 pallets of resources. The center will begin operation in July and will have an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21.

From this strategic location near ports like Oakland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Convoy will be able to send resources to Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. (See FYI, p. 26.)

“The new distribution center will enable Convoy to meet needs all over the West Coast and respond

to disasters more rapidly,” says Vice President and West Coast Leader Kirk Noonan.

Convoy plans to open RDC locations across the U.S. over the next five years. Potential sites include Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, and Puerto Rico. Each RDC will increase Convoy’s ability to mobilize quickly, procure additional resources, transport goods more effectively, and equip local partners.

AUCTIONED ’65 MUSTANG RAISES FUNDS FOR CONVOY

Larry Huneycutt is a “car guy” with a passion for classic automobiles. “He’s also a serial entrepreneur who looks for ways to help those in need through Convoy,” says Kirk Noonan with Convoy of Hope’s Convoy Nation™.

Recently, at the Greensboro Auto Auction in North Carolina, auto dealers and collectors from around the world bid on hundreds of classic cars. Huneycutt placed a 1965 Ford Mustang in the lineup, as friends from the auction let bidders know the proceeds would support Convoy of Hope.

The car sold in a matter of minutes and auctioneers also asked for donations. In all, more than $25,000 was raised for Convoy’s work.

FORBES NAMES CONVOY OF HOPE AMONG TOP LARGEST CHARITIES

Convoy of Hope has again been named on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Top 100 Charities.

“With more than 1.8 million nonprofit organizations registered in the U.S., it really speaks to the compassion of our partners and the important work that Convoy does,” says President Hal Donaldson. “We know the needs are so great that there isn’t time to rest on our laurels. There are still lots of people who need our help.”

The Forbes list assesses nonprofit organizations based on factors such as charitable commitment and fundraising efficiency. Convoy of Hope has consistently received high marks in both categories.

Left: Larry Huneycutt

Right: Kirk Noonan

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT BENEFITS 99,000 C

onvoy of Hope celebrated International Women’s Day, March 8, with the announcement that more than 99,000 women and girls to date have participated in its Women’s Empowerment program.

Convoy started Women’s Empowerment in 2010 out of a desire to uplift women, remind them of their value, and create opportunities for them to provide for themselves and their families.

NFL’S VANCE MCDONALD TO SERVE AS CONVOY OF HOPE AMBASSADOR

In Tanzania, for example, 7,500 women and girls participated in 2022.

“They learned how to break the cycle of poverty, start and grow their own businesses, and give back to their communities,” says Erin-Rae Peace with Convoy’s Global Program.

Former NFL tight end Vance McDonald will serve as a Convoy Nation™ Ambassador for Convoy of Hope. Convoy Nation connects with athletes, entertainers, and leaders to mobilize public figures in a movement of kindness supporting Convoy of Hope’s initiatives.

McDonald played for eight seasons in the National Football League — four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and four with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During their tenure with both teams, Vance and Kendi McDonald led Convoy of Hope outreaches in their communities.

Left: Convoy participant

Right: Doree Donaldson

HELP DURING

DURING CRISIS

continued on p. 10 BY ETHAN FORHETZ

IMAGINE LIVING WITH THE FEAR OF BOMBING, AIR RAIDS, AND ROCKET ATTACKS EVERY DAY.

Millions of Ukrainians have endured that fear for more than a year. The work that Convoy of Hope is doing in Ukraine and surrounding countries is helping to make life just a little more normal. To date, more than 33 million meals and emergency supplies have been provided — valued at $60 million.

Since the war began in February 2022, it has inflicted massive damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure. Beyond the destruction of many homes, entire communities have no power or heat. In Kyiv and other major cities, rolling blackouts can last 24 to 48 hours.

“A friend and her elderly mother live on the 22nd floor of their apartment,” said Convoy of Hope partner Joel C. “When they’re without power, it’s very hard to climb back up.”

A year into the war, an estimated 8 million Ukrainian refugees have fled across Europe, and 5.4 million are internally displaced within Ukraine. Many businesses have closed. Ukrainians fortunate enough to be employed face currency devaluation, purchasing less with the same amount of money. About 80% of people in Ukraine are on the edge of poverty.

continued on p. 12

Scan

Men cannot leave the country, since they are required to defend their homeland. Women who have fled don’t know when they can come back. This creates countless breaks in family units.

Convoy of Hope has been working to help the people of Ukraine since the war began and has provided more than 400 truckloads worth of food, hygiene supplies, winter clothing, generators, and other essentials. (See “On the Map,” pp. 16-17.) That relief effort relies on some 350 distribution points across the nation.

Initially, many resources were flown in or purchased in Europe and trucked into Ukraine from a warehouse in Poland. With a warehouse now in Ukraine, relief has been accelerated.

“It’s a lot easier to send out multiple trucks from here than it is picking all the routes and all the destinations all the way from Poland,” said Andre, a partner in Ukraine.

Major loads reach partnering community centers, which are usually local churches. Volunteers fill minivans and small buses to bring relief to outlying areas. The risks are real. Volunteers making those deliveries wear helmets and flak jackets. A mine detonated about 20 feet from one man running a route recently. Because it was pointed away from him, only a few of the ball bearings in its blast hit his back and legs.

THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS A LACK OF WATER. IF THERE IS WATER IN A PUDDLE, PEOPLE COLLECT IT OFF THE GROUND.’

Scan here to learn more about how Convoy provides clean water.

— ALEX, RELIEF COORDINATOR

“He was grateful to be alive,” Joel said.

The war’s front line has ebbed and flowed, and Convoy’s partners use windows of opportunity to serve people living on that edge. Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, for example, has been the target of recent bombings.

“We were bringing food to about 5,000 to 6,000 people in Bakhmut, including many children,” said Alex, a local relief coordinator. “All were living in basements or underground shelters — extended family all living together. The biggest problem is a lack of water. If there is water in a puddle, people collect it off the ground.”

Convoy was able to send food and resources to Bakhmut, including filters to make the groundwater drinkable. In communities where distribution sites can be organized safely, usually at local churches, people line up to gratefully accept Convoy’s aid.

“People initially come to the church looking for physical aid, such as food,” Joel said. “But as they get to know the volunteers and pastors, they find encouragement and hope.”

Scan here to see how Convoy is helping displaced Ukrainian children.

Scan here to watch a video of Convoy’s year in Ukraine.

At Convoy of Hope, accountability and transparency are an integral part of everything we do. From every purpose restricted donation, Convoy of Hope’s Independent Board of Directors may allocate up to 20% of that donation to cover its administrative and fundraising costs. If restricted donations exceed the need of the crisis, the capacity to respond to a crisis and/or when local conditions prevent effective assistance, Convoy of Hope’s Independent Board of Directors may allocate these funds to other worthy projects that help Convoy of Hope fulfill its global mission of helping children and families in need.

State Nonprofit Disclosures

Convoy of Hope’s mission is to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreach, and disaster response. Financial and other information about our charity’s purpose, programs and activities can be obtained by contacting David Armour, CFO, 1 Convoy Dr Springfield, MO 65802 United States, (417)823-8998. If you are a resident of any of the following states, please review the relevant disclosure statement.

COLORADO: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, 303-894-2860, www.sos.state.co.us/ re: Reg. No 20083000337. FLORIDA: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH23220. GEORGIA: A full and fair description of charitable programs and activities, and a financial statement consistent with the financial statement required to be filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to Code Section 43-17-5, will be sent upon request.

ILLINOIS: Contracts and reports regarding Convoy of Hope are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. MARYLAND: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, 800-825-4510. A copy of the organization’s current financial statement is available on request. MICHIGAN: MICS No. 38279. MISSISSIPPI: The official registration and financial information of Convoy of Hope may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State. NEW JERSEY: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING

(973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charity/chardir.htm. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. NEW YORK: Upon request, a copy of the latest financial report filed with the Attorney General as well as a full description of the programs and activities supported by contributions can be obtained by contacting Convoy of Hope at 1 Convoy Dr Springfield, MO 65802 United States. Financial reports can also be obtained from the charities registry on the Attorney General’s website or by writing the Charities Bureau at 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005. For more information about charities, visit the Charities Bureau online at www.charitiesnys.com or call 212-416-8401. NORTH CAROLINA: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 807-2214 (outside of North Carolina). The license is not an endorsement by the State. OREGON: Registration in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement, sanction or approval of the solicitation, its purposes, the manner in which it is conducted or the person or organization conducting it, by the Attorney General or any other governmental agency or officer. PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of Convoy of Hope may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. VIRGINIA: A financial statement is available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. WASHINGTON: The notice of solicitation required by the State Office of Consumer Affairs is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Convoy of Hope is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 800-332-4483. WEST VIRGINIA: Upon request, the estimated percentage of the money collected which will be applied to the cost of solicitation and administration or how much of the money collected will be applied directly for the charitable purpose will be provided. West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement. WISCONSIN: A financial statement of Convoy of Hope disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year is available upon request.

CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF CONVOY OF HOPE BY THE STATE.

WHEN YOU LINK ARMS WITH CONVOY OF HOPE TO PROVIDE DISASTER RELIEF, HURTING PEOPLE RECEIVE THE HELP AND STRENGTH THEY NEED TO GET BACK ON THEIR FEET. CONVOY IS COMMITTED TO HELPING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

For a full list of state nonprofit disclosures, scan here.

AFTER A YEAR OF ORGANIZING RELIEF FOR UKRAINIANS

DISPLACED BY THE WAR, CONVOY OF HOPE HAS ...

SERVED MORE THAN 33 MILLION MEALS (TOWARD THE GOAL OF 50 MILLION MEALS).

WORKED WITH 351 PARTNERS IN 102 COMMUNITIES.

DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN 1 MILLION POUNDS OF NEW CLOTHING (INCLUDING MANY WINTER COATS).

BROUGHT HELP AND HOPE TO MORE THAN 2.9 MILLION PEOPLE.

PACKED AND DELIVERED MORE THAN 1.8 MILLION DIAPERS.

SERVED DISPLACED PEOPLE IN 16 COUNTRIES.

SHIPPED 109 PALLETS OF TOYS TO HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH TRAUMA.

HELP DURING CRISIS

CONVOY OF HOPE IS SERVING EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS IN TURKEY & SYRIA

BY LEVI COSTELLO & ANNIE DENNEY

There had not been a larger earthquake in Turkey since 1668. But the magnitude 7.8 quake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6 was far deadlier than its predecessor. The 17th-century tremblor took some 8,000 lives. The current catastrophe has caused more than 50,000 fatalities in Turkey and more than 7,000 in Syria.

continued on p. 20

CONVOY REMAINS COMMITTED TO HELPING AS MANY PEOPLE AS WE CAN FOR AS LONG AS WE CAN.’

More than 200,000 buildings were destroyed, the equivalent of nearly five Manhattans.

Hundreds of thousands of survivors took shelter wherever they could: government shelters, hotels, shopping malls, stadiums, mosques, and community centers. Many had no place to go and spent the frigid nights outside gathered around fires.

“People were without access to their most basic needs — food, water, and shelter,” says Ryan Grabill, senior director of Convoy of Hope’s International Disaster Services team. “More than 1 million meals have been distributed.”

Convoy of Hope worked with partners and contacts throughout the impact zone to ship, procure, and distribute

relief supplies. Clothing, tents, sleeping bags, diapers, and baby formula were distributed in communities across the region. In addition to shipping in resources from outside Turkey and Syria, Convoy procured resources locally — lentils, peas, beans, and bulgar (parboiled whole wheat) — to supply local partners and soup kitchens serving survivors.

— STACY LAMB

Among the estimated 10,000 aftershocks in the following weeks, several were large enough to bring more fatalities. The repeated tremors only added to the daily fear and trauma of survivors. City parks and open spaces were filled with people sleeping in tents — too terrified to stay in a building.

The World Bank estimated that 1.25 million people were left homeless within three weeks of the first quake. By midMarch, the Turkish government had evacuated nearly 2 million people from the disaster area to other cities.

Aftershocks continued to rock the impact zone in March, causing more buildings to collapse and keeping tensions high. Many families congregated in makeshift camps under extremely difficult conditions.

Convoy worked to provide hygiene supplies and diapers. With the hygiene products Convoy distributes, people can keep their hands and bodies clean, brush their teeth, and take care of their hair. This lessens the possibility of disease spreading through already vulnerable communities.

Stacy Lamb, Convoy’s vice president of Disaster Services says, “Convoy remains committed to helping as many people as we can for as long as we can.”

DISASTER SERVICES

Ukrainian war refugees, African communities on the edge of famine, and U.S. hurricane survivors all have received critical help through Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team. Consistently among the first to respond to crises, Convoy’s highly trained staff and volunteers help hurting people get back on their feet. Convoy is committed to helping as much as possible for as long as possible in the most challenging environments.

CHILDREN’S FEEDING

Approximately half of all deaths of children under 5 can be linked to undernutrition. A nutritious meal coupled with clean drinking water opens doors to better health and consistent physical and mental development. Convoy of Hope provides regular, nutritious meals in schools around the world. More than 500,000 children are discovering renewed hope as they experience daily wins over hunger.

AGRICULTURE

Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program is equipping vulnerable farmers and families with skills, tools, and seeds to increase life-sustaining crops. Of the tens of thousands of meals harvested each year, a portion is used to support Convoy’s Children’s Feeding program. Convoy’s agriculture specialists teach long-term sustainable practices that help break the cycle of poverty and promote community food security.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

When a woman generates an income, it not only benefits her — the entire community profits. Through training techniques and loving support, Convoy equips women to start and successfully operate their own businesses. Convoy encourages women and girls around the world to realize their value and reach their potential. This gives them the opportunity to positively impact the lives of their future families and their communities.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Since its founding in 1994, Convoy of Hope has worked with civic organizations, churches, businesses, and government agencies to create Community Events that bring help and hope to thousands in need. Each Guest of Honor receives needed resources and services. Convoy’s team works with dedicated local volunteers to deliver free groceries, health services, family portraits, career services, children’s shoes, and much more.

RURAL INITIATIVES

Convoy of Hope reaches people exactly where they are. Poverty and hunger have gained a devastating edge in rural communities. By partnering with local churches to offer resources, training, mentoring, and coaching, Convoy of Hope helps people effectively discover and implement solutions to the issues in their local context. Convoy believes increased presence and partnership with local leaders help strengthen and enrich entire neighborhoods and towns.

HOPE EDUCATION NETWORK®

By providing curricula and other resources to participating colleges, Convoy of Hope is preparing the next generation to address the world’s compelling challenges with help and hope.

Kevin Weaver is president/CEO and co-founder of The Warrior’s Journey, a faith-based organization that serves military personnel during active duty and beyond. Kevin, a U.S. Air Force veteran, recently visited with Hope Quarterly about Convoy of Hope.

HQ: What is the backstory of The Warrior’s Journey?

Kevin: After I completed my military service in Panama in 1987, my wife and I were invited to return to Panama to pastor a chapel on the U.S. base. In a few months, that grew from about 20 to 30 people to 150. That experience connected us to the deep needs in the military community.

My nephew was sent to Iraq and fought at Fallujah in 2004. He was among just eight men in his platoon who survived. When he came home in 2005, he contacted me and poured his heart out. That conversation confronted me with the many invisible wounds warriors endure. My nephew had survived physically, but he was deeply wounded emotionally.

Those experiences, and many others, came together when Mark Flattery — a friend leading a nonprofit called Network 211 — contacted me with the idea of beginning an outreach specifically designed to serve men and women in the armed forces. Since 2015, The Warrior’s Journey has been that outreach.

HQ: Convoy of Hope and The Warrior’s Journey regularly work together.

Kevin: Convoy of Hope’s heart to reach the poor and the undervalued connects directly with our mission; too many men and women in the military are marginalized. People aren’t aware of the challenges warriors face. We first connected with Convoy of Hope by manning a Veterans Tent at Convoy’s Community Events.

In 2020, we discovered thousands of soldiers could not go home during Christmas because of their training cycle. There were 580 at Fort Leonard Wood alone, just down the highway from our headquarters. Convoy helped us create a care package for each of them. Our team gave out each package in person on Christmas Day. People would just cry when we gave them their gift. It grew from those packages at Fort Leonard Wood in 2020 to more than 3,000 packages at multiple posts last year.

We opened an office in Germany four years ago where we serve about 200 military personnel each day. With Convoy’s help, we’ve also served about 3,500 Ukrainian refugees since the war in Ukraine began.

HQ: How does The Warrior’s Journey serve the military community?

Kevin: When a warrior contacts us with a need, we connect that man or woman with another warrior whose experiences match theirs — same gender, same military branch, same rank, and even the same area of deployment. A trained volunteer who can talk with that warrior specifically about his or her greatest needs. We can also connect that person with 72 other organizations that offer specialized help. We are endorsed by the Department of Defense, we’re helping more warriors every year, and the future is wide open.

HQ: What critical needs among veterans and soldiers do you hope people will take to heart?

Kevin: Here’s a tragic reality — while we grieve the loss of more than 7,000 of our men and women killed during the global war on terror since 9/11, more than 32,000 warriors have taken their own lives in that same time period. I’m glad to report that The Warrior’s Journey has carried out 1,700 successful suicide interventions.

The wounds warriors endure are often deep and unseen. That may be true for someone in your family. For the person sitting next to you at a coffee shop. For the leader at your job who looks confident and successful. They don’t let it out, and too often that pain completely wrecks their lives before anyone is aware of their need.

RDC WEST MEANS FASTER HELP FOR THE EAST

CONVOY OF HOPE HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE FAR EAST FOR YEARS. WITH THE OPENING OF ITS REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, CONVOY’S FUTURE RESPONSES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC CAN REACH COMMUNITIES MORE RAPIDLY.

PHILIPPINES

Between numerous responses to Philippine typhoons, Convoy of Hope has grown its Children’s Feeding program in this island nation. More than 33,000 children are receiving regular nutritious meals.

TONGA

Last year’s eruption of an underwater volcano near Tonga coated the island nation in destructive ash. In the following months, Convoy provided more than 164,000 meals and other emergency supplies to survivors in the region.

NEPAL

Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake met with a longterm response from Convoy that included extensive agricultural training to help farmers move beyond the earthquake and develop processes to reap bountiful harvests.

JAPAN

Japan’s 2011 earthquake was the strongest in its history, and created worldwide fears when a nuclear power plant in Fukushima was compromised. Convoy sent 75 tons of resources to help displaced families, including bedding, cooking supplies, hygiene supplies, and clothing.

AUSTRALIA

Convoy of Hope Australia is active across Pacific Oceania. For example, Convoy actively responded to bush fires in Australia in 2020, to massive flooding in 2021 and 2022, and to Cyclone Gabrielle this year.

INDONESIA

Following the 2018 tsunami, Convoy distributed 271,000 meals to nearly 30,000 survivors. Convoy’s response history in the nation stretches back to the devastating 2004 Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami, when more than 580 tons of resources were distributed in the region.

CARE DURING CRISIS

BY MARY VOGEN

iving is one of the greatest blessings God has given us,” say Gary and Anna. They have practiced generosity throughout their 52-year marriage and sought to pass on that commitment to their three children and two grandchildren.

“When we started out, we didn’t have much to give,” Anna says, “but we have been blessed abundantly, and God has given us the desire to be good stewards.”

When giving, they first consider the need and the potential impact, and then pray together. Over the years they have been amazed at how often they have been in sync with their giving.

Recently they attended a Convoy of Hope event and took to heart critical needs addressed through Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding program and Convoy’s response to the crisis in Ukraine. Wanting to do more than contribute financially, they have been on-site at Convoy’s World Distribution Center to pack goods to be shipped out.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve gotten very involved in the mission of Convoy of Hope and have met many of the staff, volunteers, and partners,” Gary says. “One thing stands out with everyone we meet — they are humble about what God is doing.”

Gary and Anna are also part of Convoy’s Hope Society and have made Convoy of Hope part of their estate plan. “Taking that step is merely a continuation of what we are doing now,” they say.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ESTATE PLANNING AND STRATEGIES TO MAXIMIZE YOUR GIVING, EMAIL

Visit us online at: convoyofhope.org

Mail: 1 Convoy Drive Springfield, MO 65802-2213

P: (417) 823-8998

F: (417) 823-8244

Donations: P.O. Box 1125 Springfield, MO 65801

John Doe Family 10203 West Phelps Cincinnati, OH 61210

Give online at convoy.org/HelpUkraine or scan the code below.